Before the decisive rounds… Germany loses its only left-handed defender in the World Cup sports

German media reported, on Monday, that the German national football team will miss the efforts of Niko Schlotterbeck during the remainder of the World Cup competitions, after he injured his ankle.

Media outlets, including Bild newspaper and Sky TV, reported that the Borussia Dortmund player suffered torn ligaments in his left ankle during the German team’s 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire last Saturday.

Schlotterbeck (26 years old), who is the only left-footed defender in the German national team, is expected to be absent for nearly two months, making him unable to play any additional role with the national team in the tournament.

Real Madrid player Antonio Rudiger is likely to take Schlotterbeek’s place in the starting lineup in the team’s final match in Group C, against Ecuador, scheduled to be held next Thursday, as he replaced Schlotterbeck between the two halves of the match that was held in Toronto.

Other defenders in the squad include Schlotterbeck’s Dortmund teammate Waldemar Anton and Malik Thiaw, and Germany have already secured top spot in the group after wins over Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire.

This is the third injury the German national team has received in recent weeks, as young Bayern Munich player Lennart Kart was injured in training before the first match, while his teammate Serge Gnabry was ruled out before the tournament.

German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann will not be able to replace Schlotterbeck, as FIFA rules stipulate that only goalkeepers can be called up during the tournament.